Global Immigration News
January 2010
UK
Identity Card now required for Tier 2 Employees
From 6 January 2010 all applicants under the tier 2 prog ram in the UK will need to apply for an identity card. The UK Border Agency intends that by the end of 2010, all immigrants applying for a visa for more than six months will be required to apply for an identity card.
Canada
Temporary visa applications can be made online
The Canadian Government has announced that temporary residents applying for work permits or wishing to extend their visit in Canada can now apply online.
UAE
Guarantee Deposits Required by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Effective January 24 2010, employers operating in the DIFC, one of the United Arab Emirates’ Free Trade Zones, must submit a refundable guarantee deposit of AED 2,500 with each new work permit application or permit renewal for a foreign national.
Russia
2010 Quota-Exempt Occupations announced
The Russian government has released the list of occupati ons that are exempt from work authorization quotas for 2010. The quota exemption list takes effect on January 23. After this date, employers may apply for work authorization for foreign nationals seeking to fill these positions even if the employer did not submit an application for a 2010 quota allotment.
Czech Republic
New Medical Insurance Requirements for Foreign Nationals
Effective from January 1 2010, foreign short-term visitors and long term residents must meet new health insurance requirements. Foreign nationals already living in the Czech Republic will have until March 31 2010 to obtain the necessary insurance. The Czech foreign police have stated that there is an unofficial grace period until March 31 2010 for foreign nationals already living in Czech Republic to obtain the necessary insurance.
India
US national visa applications
Effective as of January 25 2010, India n consular posts based in the United States are requiring U.S.-based applicants to evidence their birth nationalities for all visa applications.